Cairns and Northern Beaches

Cairns

Famed for its first-class access to the nation’s biggest drawcards, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, these world-heritage sites stamp Cairns on the map as Australia’s nature capital with some serious adventure game.

No matter who you are or how long you’re there, Cairns is a bucket list destination that speaks for itself when it comes to flaunting its natural assets. You could be rubbing fins with Nemo while you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, surfing your way through the jungle of the Daintree Rainforest or hammock-side on a tropical island all within a day.

Things to do in Cairns

Whether you’re gliding above the rainforest, meeting the local wildlife or learning about the indigenous history of the region, Cairns is brimming with nature and adventure experiences for every sized explorer. See these top 10 Cairns experience to add to your itinerary.

Situated in lush Tropical North Queensland and set overlooking Trinity Inlet and Marlin Marina, Hilton Cairns is the ideal base from which to explore the region's many attractions. Hilton Cairns continues to demonstrate a commitment to industry leadership and innovation.

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is a deluxe hotel where the emphasis is on quality, sophistication and elegance. Its central location and distinctive friendly Australian character has captivated guests and it is a favourite place for visitors from both Australia and overseas.

Citysider Cairns Holiday Apartments is conveniently located close to the popular shopping complex Cairns Central and within easy walking distance of the Esplanade and Cairns City Centre. Citysider offers affordable apartment-style accommodation for the tropical climate
The spacious, recently refurbished, fully self-contained apartments are available with one or two bedrooms, all with modern bathrooms, private laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchens, including dishwasher and microwave.

From a great waterfront location overlooking Trinity Bay and the spectacular Cairns Esplanade lagoon, BreakFree Royal Harbour is perfectly positioned for guests to enjoy the best of this vibrant tropical city.

With the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage Rainforest at your fingertips, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns is the perfect location to commence your Tropical North Queensland experience.
The views are breathtaking.

Located on The Esplanade overlooking the harbour, Mantra Trilogy offers contemporary comfort close to Cairns best attractions. From your ideal location you will enjoy great accommodation, the most convenient of resort facilities and an amazing North Queensland escape.

With its prime waterfront location, Mantra Esplanade offers stylish and contemporary accommodation in the heart of the holiday hub of Cairns.
With your options ranging from Hotel Rooms to One or Two Bedroom Apartments, you will be well accommodated at Mantra Esplanade.

Royal Palm Villas has 16 one bedroom holiday apartments with style and character, the ideal retreat for your tropical getaway. Boutique fully self-contained one bedroom apartments, designed to be different from the rest.

A personal welcome to Pullman Cairns International, located in the heart of tropical Cairns and gateway to the world famous Great Barrier Reef and lush World Heritage listed Rainforest.
This unique hotel reflects the ambience and spirit of Far North Queensland with cool tiled floors, deep windows and magnificent vistas of the harbour, city and mountains.

Located in the Central Business District of Cairns, the heart of Far North Queensland, 201 Lake Street offers contemporary one and two bedroom dual-keyed apartments as well as hotel suites set amongst beautiful tropical gardens.

Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2300kms, the Great Barrier Reef consists of 900 islands and 2900 individual reefs so as you can imagine, the ways you tick off this bucket list item is extensive, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

Whether you choose to sail, scuba, snorkel, cruise, fly, skydive or island hop, on, in or over the Great Barrier Reef, you can guarantee there is an experience for whatever floats your boat.

Here are some of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns:

Cairns accommodation

For an all-inclusive 5-star experience where kids under 12 can stay and eat breakfast for free, rest your head at the Pullman Reef Resort and Casino.If your tribe is looking for a more resort-like vibe, you can’t go past the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort with its lagoon style pool and epic pool bar menu.Enjoy views of the Coral Sea and stay at Waters Edge Apartments Cairns on the Esplanade. Other accommodation options include the Mantra Trilogy and the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort.

If you’re coming to Cairns for a good time not a long time, there are a bunch of backpacker options to suit any budget. Check out Nomads Cairns or Cairns Central YHA for a central place to hit the sack and save your dollars for the more important experiences in the region.

How to get there

International airport

Cairns Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Australia and an international gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Cairns Esplanade is just over 10 minutes from Cairns Airport and there are plenty of transportation options to get you from the airport to your hotel.

You can take the Airport Connect for $4 one way or $6 return which links Cairns Airport with the public transport network at the Sheridan Street bus stops. From here Translink offer services to Cairns City or Northern Beaches for a minimum of $2.20 for an adult single fare.

There are also a range of airport shuttle services, hire car options or ride share and taxi options if you prefer a more direct route into Cairns from the airport.

From Brisbane

If you are coming to Cairns from Brisbane, the drive along the Pacific Coast Way from Brisbane to Cairns will take you approximately 19 hours. This drive links coastal and hinterlands towns as well as major cities all along the east coast and is a fantastic way to experience Queensland at your leisure. Hire cars are available from Brisbane Airport and you can plan the ultimate road trip with this Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary.